ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY - October 22, 2014

One year today.   It has been a long year since that drive from Salt Lake City to the emergency room at Chandler Hospital and the surgery that followed.  We are so thankful to God for another year of John's life. It has been a battle that John has fought with perseverance, patience, strength and great faith - always focused on the long term goal of walking. We are grateful for each other and each day together.

We are overwhelmed by the love and care by our children and their spouses, our grandchildren and other family members. We are grateful for the prayers of friends and the skill and dedication of so many medical professionals.

Let me fill in on the past few weeks and give a current report...

John's surgery on September 26 was successful and brief.  Although plans had been to stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights, Dr. Motzkin felt John was ready to go home the same evening. What a wonderful surprise (although I was a bit apprehensive about providing the homecare).  As usual, John did well and we had a quiet week at home with good results.  At the 10-day checkup, the doctor was very pleased with the healing and encouraged John to see the prosthetist which he did four days later. Jillian put on a "shrinker" (a tight stretch stocking) to dissipate the fluid and hasten the shrinking which will allow for a new smaller socket.

The end of last week and with beautiful fall weather, we decided it was time to get out and about. On Thursday we made our way around the Boyce Thompson Arboretum with John in the wheelchair for four hours. Then on Friday we went with our family to the State Fair for five hours. Great fun both times! But we overdid.  While using his right leg to help pull along the wheelchair John did not realize that the left stump was flexing against its support. He got overtired as well. When we got home, the stump was red, swollen, feverish and very sore.  A small portion of the surgical incision had come open and was seeping.  Consultations with the surgeon have led us through four days and nights of vigilant care. The seeping continues but has slowed down. All the other symptoms are gone. Thankfully there was not infection. This has set back the progress of the new prosthesis by 1-2 weeks. We covet your prayers of intercession.

Although the two days of outings were very tiring for me, I continue in good health and strength most days. The low salt diet is working. My blood pressure and weight remain constant. Occasionally, I am briefly short of breath - but not while exercising.

Now we are looking forward to Elisa, Stephen and the children arriving for Halloween. That will be great fun, we are sure.